ASIA CLEAN ENERGY SUMMIT 2019

Interview with Mr Ditlev Engel

Mr Ditlev Engel has been a driving force behind many global green investment initiatives, pushing the energy transition to the next level. He has been Member of the Energy Partner Network of the World Economic Forum, Advisor of the International Energy Agency, Chairman Green Growth Working Group at three consecutive G20 Summits, co‐founder of the Green Growth Action Allian and Member of UN’s Sustainable Energy for All.

Ditlev brings a wealth of knowledge of the global energy industry and international leadership competence to the ACES Clean Energy Leaders' Dialogue.

Q: What is your view of the drive towards clean energy in Asia today and the resulting impact on the region?

Asia is an undisputed leader in the energy transition. Rapid electrification of energy demand and the rise of energy from wind and solar sources will dominate Asia’s power mix of the future. The region is transforming its energy mix to sustain rapid economic growth and protect local environments and the global climate, we’ve witnessed the total installed renewable energy capacity triple since 2010. As the number and size of projects has risen, solar and wind are close to or have already achieved grid parity. With the penetration of intermittent generation increasing, we expect energy storage solutions to rapidly enter the markets. The potential and need in the region is substantial, and with improved government policy and coordination to create a safer investment environment, renewables will continue to transform the region's energy mix.

Q: What do you think Asia’s renewable energy landscape will look like in the next five years?

Greater China will have a leading position in the electrification of transport and we will see continued investment in solar PV, onshore and offshore wind and rapid growth in local manufacturing technologies with export potential (solar, wind, EVs, batteries). For India, our Energy Transition Outlook report predicts a 43% share of electricity generation for renewables by 2030 from a mix of hydropower, wind, solar and biomass. Whilst in South East Asia the soaring demand and increasing reliance on energy imports means energy security and ‘clean’ diversification of the mix will remain a prime concern in policy making to reconcile growth and sustainability.

Q: What is your company planning next for the growing clean energy in Asia?

As an independent third party, we provide certification, testing and advisory services to a wide range of customers, from wind turbine, battery and PV module manufacturers and Investors. Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence are at the centre of our Research and Developments efforts. Solutions like our recently launched Data monitoring platform GPM Horizon provide the world’s first data analytic solution that monitors a growing fleet of renewable assets across Asia, providing a complete integration of current and future renewable energy systems including solar PV, wind and energy storage assets. Tools like this are key to realise the ambitious energy transition targets in Asia, by combining digitalization technologies and integrated renewables systems together in one platform.